Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Great Bay Staffing Group; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Great Bay Staffing Group is seeking a Daycare-Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) in Birmingham, AL. The role focuses on delivering pediatric therapy to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers under OTR supervision to support early development during daily play and routines.

Responsibilities include collaboration with daycare staff, progress documentation, and family coaching with home activity tips. A strong background in sensory integration and play-based strategies is preferred.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree from ACOTE-accredited OTA program required.
• Active COTA license Alabama or eligibility for licensure.
• NBCOT certification in good standing.
• Valid Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience with infants/toddlers/preschoolers preferred; daycare/preschool experience a plus.
• Knowledge of early childhood developmental milestones, pediatric assessment tools, sensory integration, and play-based therapy.

Responsibilities

• Direct pediatric therapy delivery under supervision to support developmental goals.
• Play-based classroom integration through developmentally appropriate activities.
• Collaborate with daycare staff to implement sensory breaks and adaptive support during routines.
• Monitor progress and document therapy sessions for progress updates and team meetings.
• Select and adjust adaptive equipment and sensory tools for daycare settings.
• Communicate with families, providing home activity recommendations and strategies.

Skills

Pediatric Therapy

Infant & Toddler

Sensory Integration

Play-based Therapy

Family Communication

Education

Associates degree in OTA (ACOTE-accredited)

Job description

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Early Childhood Development | Birmingham, AL

Join our dedicated early childhood care team as a Daycare-Based Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) in Birmingham, Alabama. In this rewarding pediatric occupational therapy role, you will work under the supervision of a Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR) to help infants, toddlers, and preschoolers develop essential fine motor skills, sensory processing abilities, visual-motor integration, and self-help skills. Your expertise will empower young children to participate fully in daily play, routines, and early learning environments, setting the foundation for lifelong success.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct Pediatric Therapy Delivery: Implement individualized occupational therapy interventions and early intervention plans to support toddlers' and preschoolers' developmental goals, focusing on age-appropriate skill acquisition


• Play-Based Classroom Integration: Deliver functional skill-building through developmentally appropriate play activities, including fine motor grasp development, tool use (crayons, safety scissors, eating utensils), sensory regulation strategies, self-feeding techniques, dressing skills, and safe navigation of play environments


• Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Support: Partner with lead daycare teachers, early childhood educators, classroom aides, and support staff to implement sensory breaks, flexible seating modifications, adaptive equipment, and developmental accommodations during circle time, transitions, and routine activities


• Progress Monitoring & Documentation: Maintain detailed documentation of child progress toward specific developmental milestones, log therapy sessions accurately, and contribute assessment data for progress updates and interdisciplinary team meetings under OTR supervision


• Adaptive Equipment & Environmental Setup: Select, implement, and adjust adaptive seating solutions, floor-time support equipment, assistive play devices, and sensory tools tailored for infants, toddlers, and young children in daycare settings


• Family-Centered Care & Communication: Establish warm, collaborative relationships with parents and caregivers, providing home activity recommendations, developmental strategies, and reinforcement techniques to support carryover of therapeutic goals

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program required


• State Licensure: Active COTA license from the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy, or eligibility for Alabama OTA licensure


• Professional Certification: Current NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy) certification in good standing


• Safety Certifications: Valid Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)


• Experience: Previous experience working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, or early childhood pediatric populations strongly preferred; experience in daycare, preschool, or early intervention settings a plus


• Clinical Skills: Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood developmental milestones, pediatric assessment tools, sensory integration techniques, and play-based therapy approaches


• Interpersonal Abilities: Exceptional communication skills, patience, creativity in play-based problem-solving, cultural sensitivity, and ability to work effectively with young children, families, and multidisciplinary teams

About Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham offers an exceptional quality of life with Southern charm, affordable living, and a thriving healthcare and education community. As Alabama's largest metropolitan area, Birmingham features diverse neighborhoods, excellent dining and entertainment options, numerous parks and outdoor recreation areas, and a rich cultural scene. The city's growing economy, family-friendly communities, and mild climate make it an ideal location for occupational therapy professionals seeking career growth and work-life balance. Birmingham's strong early childhood education infrastructure and commitment to pediatric services provide an excellent environment for COTA professionals passionate about child development.

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

• Meaningful Impact: Make a direct, lasting difference in young children's growth, development, and future success during critical early childhood years


• Specialized Pediatric Focus: Develop expertise in early intervention, infant development, toddler occupational therapy, and preschool-based practice


• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside passionate early childhood educators, therapists, and support staff dedicated to child-centered care


• Professional Growth: Receive ongoing mentorship from experienced Licensed Occupational Therapists and access continuing education opportunities in pediatric specialties


• Competitive Compensation: Earn $27-$32 per hour based on experience and qualifications


• Rewarding Work: Experience the joy of celebrating developmental milestones with children and families in a supportive daycare community